My friend Joan's dog had darling little ones not too long ago. They are growing by leaps and bounds. Remember how little new born puppies smell and feel? I sure do. Enjoy the short video of them nursing.
Thank you, Joan, for sharing!
A Little Off....
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sharon's Memorial Video Slide Show
Below is a tribute to a church member and friend of ours, Sharon Agenten. She was only 53 years old. Unlike so many of us, she lived every day with joy and was constantly serving God and her fellow man in some way. May she rest with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
A Little Off....
Evening Shade's Finest
Sunday night after church Tom and I "went to town." The car needed gas and we were both a bit hungry. I expected to grab a soda, a Little Debbie, and something fried, and on a stick. Was I in for a surprise!
For those of you who have never been in in a "little country store," my condolences. I grew up in a small town where the streets were lined with small, family-owned stores. Every store had its own flavor and warmth. The proprietors not only knew you by name, they oftentimes knew what you had been up to, who you had been with, and who your parents were. And they were not timid about reporting all the information to your parents, either.
Hookrum's, or now called "the Flash Market," remains such a gathering place for not only the immediate community, but surrounding communities as well. Many of the employees there have been there for a number of years and greet "frequent fliers" with, "Oh, lord, look what the cat's drug up...," or, "What trouble are you stirring up now?"
Visiting this place is, for many, a daily routine stop. For some, it is for breakfast consisting of homemade biscuits and gravy, sausage, and freshly brewed coffee. For yet others, it is the alternative to making one's own sack lunch. With many bulk lunch meats and cheeses to choose from behind the glass showcase, I would dare say many order, "the usual."
For one's dining pleasure there are seating choices of a booth, a table, or, and the one I chose, the very tall (for a shorter person such as myself) pedestal table flanked by two very tall, heavy metal cafe' chairs. This little dining setting was gaily designed with brightly cover round table top and seat covers. Just the ticket for a real dining experience as far as I was concerned.
With my seat facing the front door, my adventure was experienced from an enviable viewpoint. Since Tom had eaten here many times before, he was not nearly as excited about the whole thing as I was. Thankfully, however, he delights in my being easily impressed by such "common" encounters.
The food prepared there is fresh and the choices are endless. Not only are there the usual stand-by's such as cheeseburgers, corn dogs, and potato logs, but fried farm raised catfish, fried chicken livers, egg rolls, and Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches. Offered, too, are sides such as baked beans, coleslaw, and french fries. There is always a fresh batch of fried chicken and chicken tenders as well as hot dogs and Polish sausage.
Flash Market, too, is the home of Pizza Pro, which is, in my opinion, better than Pizza Hut, hands down. But, since it hadn't been that long since I had savored that delight, I chose the two-piece catfish dinner; Tom chose....not surprisingly....the Philly cheese steak sandwich--loaded. For those of you who are unaware of what "loaded" is when it comes to this particular delicacy, it is grilled onions, green peppers, and mushrooms beneath melted pepper Jack cheese. Whew!
Since everything from the billboard menu is cooked at the time of the ordering, Tom and I had the opportunity and a little time to enjoy a quiet (for the most part) conversation. As usual, I talked, he listened, or at least lent the appearance of listening.
I drank in the whole of the surrounding ambiance. Our lofty table was the only one of its kind there and I relished in its relative position in the store. Directly to my left was the refrigerated glass case which housed the loaf lunch meat and various cheeses. Among the choices proudly displayed were Holly bologna, Bryan pickle loaf, liver cheese, honey ham, smoked turkey, salami, pepper loaf, olive loaf, and ham and cheese loaf. There was just as wide a variety of cheeses. Among them were: pepper Jack, Colby Jack, white American, Swiss, baby Swiss, and a number of half-moon cheddars.
Up, or down, depending upon your viewpoint, from the meat and cheese case--toward the door--was "the" counter. This is where orders are placed and countless friendly conversations are held. Stacked in a neat arrangement were individual brown paper bags filled with 5 pounds of peanuts, each marked $2.48.
In front of me, behind Tom, was a turn-tower glove display. Proudly showcased were Cordova gloves. A few of the styles included camo, leather palm, and several others.
I noticed that along the ceiling several feet from the entrance was a video camera with a bright hot pink star-shaped paper with the word, "SMILE" written on it taped to the camera mount.
I wondered if one would see a likeness to this in New York City or in Chicago. A quaint, personal touch, I thought.
Directly to my right, Frito Lay chip and Little Debbie snack display racks. I took nothing from the Frito Lay display who's contributions were Munchos, Doritos, Cheetos, salted cashews, sunflower seeds, and peanuts, not to mention the myriad of numerous filled crackers.
However, plucking from the Little Debbie display my dessert--a lemon fried pie--I felt my meal would be complete. There would be other opportunities to savor the flavors of the Swiss Rolls, oatmeal cakes, many-flavored square and round snack cakes, I'm sure.
Rows and rows of candies of every size, shape, amount and era were available and neatly arranged appropriately at eye level....no matter what age buyer. Kit-Kat's, M&M's, Chick-A-Sticks, Reece's Peanut Butter Cups, Mars, Milky Way, Baby Ruth, and Jolly Ranchers soundlessly called to me from their side-by-side boxes.
The far wall, the wall furthest from the entrance, was lined with shelves supporting numerous items. I thought the items were grouped together in a rather odd way in some areas. Strangely, I thought, were visible together Drano and Head And Shoulders shampoo, Decon and sink scrubbers, Suave hairspray and photo hangers.
It is certainly understandable that "stop-and-robs" as some call them, attempt to stock those items which are most commonly sought out by both the passing through traveler, and the native Evening Shader who doesn't want to travel far from home when something such as a light bulb is needed. Inevitably one has everything but one little, though essential, ingredient for a specific recipe. Those are the items one would expect to find in such an establishment, and, I might add, are seldom disappointed.
Before too long, two plates filled with piping hot food were set in front of us. Holding hands in our usual fashion, we asked the blessing and began to enjoy our meals. I realized that my camera was home, and before me was a photo just aching to be taken. And the smell was even more inviting than the appearance. That's saying a lot!
The plates were glass, and the cutlery, to my pleasure, was metal. Practically like eating at home except for the fact that the food was hot---and good. ;-)
Upon seeing the heaped-up plate of food before me, I was happy I had only ordered the two-piece fish plate. The portions where huge! There were three large hush puppies, a mound of crinkle cut french fries, a Styrofoam container of coleslaw, and several packets of ketchup (Heinz, no less! Yay!) and tartar sauce.
Just a random thought...do you put your ketchup on your fries, or beside them for dipping? OK, guess I need to take my Strattera.... I am a dipper. I do not like limp fries, and besides, if you salt the pile of ketchup, each bite of fry will have enough salt on it.....yes, indeed, I am a professed saltaholic.
Moving right along....for $5.69, that was a heck of a deal! My selection of drink was an A&W cream soda; again, something someone not brought up in the south may be unfamiliar with, but should, if at all possible, try at least once.
Tom's plate was no less apealing. And just as heavily filled with mouth party favors. He, too, had ordered crinkle cut fries. He's not a dipper, though--he's a ketchup on the fry kind of guy. Oh well, I love him despite his wrong choices. teehee And because of some of his choices!
We chatted about the day's happenings and items of interest as we munched on this delectable meal. Thankfully, napkins were abundant and readily available in their nearby stainless steel upright holders. Just one more item reminiscent of "the good old days," where soda fountains were equipped with these very same repositories.
Although we were both stuffed to the brim, food remained on both of our plates. How nice it is to experience that phenomenon from time-to-time! So full I had to take my lemon pie home with me, I knew, even then, that I had had the pleasure of an event that so many locals take for granted.
I have been to many eateries considered ritzy, fancy, or "up-town." And while they were nice, none held a candle to sitting accross the stilted table from the man I love watching him as he wiped the juice dripping from his sandwich from his precious face.
I love my life.....
A Little Off........
For those of you who have never been in in a "little country store," my condolences. I grew up in a small town where the streets were lined with small, family-owned stores. Every store had its own flavor and warmth. The proprietors not only knew you by name, they oftentimes knew what you had been up to, who you had been with, and who your parents were. And they were not timid about reporting all the information to your parents, either.
Hookrum's, or now called "the Flash Market," remains such a gathering place for not only the immediate community, but surrounding communities as well. Many of the employees there have been there for a number of years and greet "frequent fliers" with, "Oh, lord, look what the cat's drug up...," or, "What trouble are you stirring up now?"
Visiting this place is, for many, a daily routine stop. For some, it is for breakfast consisting of homemade biscuits and gravy, sausage, and freshly brewed coffee. For yet others, it is the alternative to making one's own sack lunch. With many bulk lunch meats and cheeses to choose from behind the glass showcase, I would dare say many order, "the usual."
For one's dining pleasure there are seating choices of a booth, a table, or, and the one I chose, the very tall (for a shorter person such as myself) pedestal table flanked by two very tall, heavy metal cafe' chairs. This little dining setting was gaily designed with brightly cover round table top and seat covers. Just the ticket for a real dining experience as far as I was concerned.
With my seat facing the front door, my adventure was experienced from an enviable viewpoint. Since Tom had eaten here many times before, he was not nearly as excited about the whole thing as I was. Thankfully, however, he delights in my being easily impressed by such "common" encounters.
The food prepared there is fresh and the choices are endless. Not only are there the usual stand-by's such as cheeseburgers, corn dogs, and potato logs, but fried farm raised catfish, fried chicken livers, egg rolls, and Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches. Offered, too, are sides such as baked beans, coleslaw, and french fries. There is always a fresh batch of fried chicken and chicken tenders as well as hot dogs and Polish sausage.
Flash Market, too, is the home of Pizza Pro, which is, in my opinion, better than Pizza Hut, hands down. But, since it hadn't been that long since I had savored that delight, I chose the two-piece catfish dinner; Tom chose....not surprisingly....the Philly cheese steak sandwich--loaded. For those of you who are unaware of what "loaded" is when it comes to this particular delicacy, it is grilled onions, green peppers, and mushrooms beneath melted pepper Jack cheese. Whew!
Since everything from the billboard menu is cooked at the time of the ordering, Tom and I had the opportunity and a little time to enjoy a quiet (for the most part) conversation. As usual, I talked, he listened, or at least lent the appearance of listening.
I drank in the whole of the surrounding ambiance. Our lofty table was the only one of its kind there and I relished in its relative position in the store. Directly to my left was the refrigerated glass case which housed the loaf lunch meat and various cheeses. Among the choices proudly displayed were Holly bologna, Bryan pickle loaf, liver cheese, honey ham, smoked turkey, salami, pepper loaf, olive loaf, and ham and cheese loaf. There was just as wide a variety of cheeses. Among them were: pepper Jack, Colby Jack, white American, Swiss, baby Swiss, and a number of half-moon cheddars.
Up, or down, depending upon your viewpoint, from the meat and cheese case--toward the door--was "the" counter. This is where orders are placed and countless friendly conversations are held. Stacked in a neat arrangement were individual brown paper bags filled with 5 pounds of peanuts, each marked $2.48.
In front of me, behind Tom, was a turn-tower glove display. Proudly showcased were Cordova gloves. A few of the styles included camo, leather palm, and several others.
I noticed that along the ceiling several feet from the entrance was a video camera with a bright hot pink star-shaped paper with the word, "SMILE" written on it taped to the camera mount.
I wondered if one would see a likeness to this in New York City or in Chicago. A quaint, personal touch, I thought.
Directly to my right, Frito Lay chip and Little Debbie snack display racks. I took nothing from the Frito Lay display who's contributions were Munchos, Doritos, Cheetos, salted cashews, sunflower seeds, and peanuts, not to mention the myriad of numerous filled crackers.
However, plucking from the Little Debbie display my dessert--a lemon fried pie--I felt my meal would be complete. There would be other opportunities to savor the flavors of the Swiss Rolls, oatmeal cakes, many-flavored square and round snack cakes, I'm sure.
Rows and rows of candies of every size, shape, amount and era were available and neatly arranged appropriately at eye level....no matter what age buyer. Kit-Kat's, M&M's, Chick-A-Sticks, Reece's Peanut Butter Cups, Mars, Milky Way, Baby Ruth, and Jolly Ranchers soundlessly called to me from their side-by-side boxes.
The far wall, the wall furthest from the entrance, was lined with shelves supporting numerous items. I thought the items were grouped together in a rather odd way in some areas. Strangely, I thought, were visible together Drano and Head And Shoulders shampoo, Decon and sink scrubbers, Suave hairspray and photo hangers.
It is certainly understandable that "stop-and-robs" as some call them, attempt to stock those items which are most commonly sought out by both the passing through traveler, and the native Evening Shader who doesn't want to travel far from home when something such as a light bulb is needed. Inevitably one has everything but one little, though essential, ingredient for a specific recipe. Those are the items one would expect to find in such an establishment, and, I might add, are seldom disappointed.
Before too long, two plates filled with piping hot food were set in front of us. Holding hands in our usual fashion, we asked the blessing and began to enjoy our meals. I realized that my camera was home, and before me was a photo just aching to be taken. And the smell was even more inviting than the appearance. That's saying a lot!
The plates were glass, and the cutlery, to my pleasure, was metal. Practically like eating at home except for the fact that the food was hot---and good. ;-)
Upon seeing the heaped-up plate of food before me, I was happy I had only ordered the two-piece fish plate. The portions where huge! There were three large hush puppies, a mound of crinkle cut french fries, a Styrofoam container of coleslaw, and several packets of ketchup (Heinz, no less! Yay!) and tartar sauce.
Just a random thought...do you put your ketchup on your fries, or beside them for dipping? OK, guess I need to take my Strattera.... I am a dipper. I do not like limp fries, and besides, if you salt the pile of ketchup, each bite of fry will have enough salt on it.....yes, indeed, I am a professed saltaholic.
Moving right along....for $5.69, that was a heck of a deal! My selection of drink was an A&W cream soda; again, something someone not brought up in the south may be unfamiliar with, but should, if at all possible, try at least once.
Tom's plate was no less apealing. And just as heavily filled with mouth party favors. He, too, had ordered crinkle cut fries. He's not a dipper, though--he's a ketchup on the fry kind of guy. Oh well, I love him despite his wrong choices. teehee And because of some of his choices!
We chatted about the day's happenings and items of interest as we munched on this delectable meal. Thankfully, napkins were abundant and readily available in their nearby stainless steel upright holders. Just one more item reminiscent of "the good old days," where soda fountains were equipped with these very same repositories.
Although we were both stuffed to the brim, food remained on both of our plates. How nice it is to experience that phenomenon from time-to-time! So full I had to take my lemon pie home with me, I knew, even then, that I had had the pleasure of an event that so many locals take for granted.
I have been to many eateries considered ritzy, fancy, or "up-town." And while they were nice, none held a candle to sitting accross the stilted table from the man I love watching him as he wiped the juice dripping from his sandwich from his precious face.
I love my life.....
A Little Off........
Saturday, January 17, 2009
My Gated Community
About a week ago I noticed that to gain access to my blog one (myself included) first must read a disclaimer of sorts and make an "informed" decision as to whether to proceed and enter, or to opt out and err on the side of caution.
This aforementioned consent offers a warning to the intended guest of my blog site stating that the site may contain content suitable only for adults. Should the guest click on the bar tool which states something like, "Yes, I understand and wish to continue to enter," or something close to that.
Since I was not notified by Google (who is the host of my blog site) concerning any such notice or disclaimer, I was left to my own (limited) devices to ferret out any possible reason for the change in visiting my Internet "home."
After a short time, I came to a conclusion. At the end of each of my posts, I have a formatted "Reaction" gallery. And, indeed, I had changed the wording at the time of the Google addition of the gated community entry way. The word "offensive" had been added, by me, as one of the several possible reactions one might choose in response to my entry.
Indeed, I believe this flagged my site and a precautionary warning was automatically generated by Google. Which, by the way, I believe to be a responsible action on the part of Google. The warning sign does state that Google has X amount of bloggers and cannot screen each blog site, each entry on a regular basis--which, of course is understandable.
And so, I take this opportunity to assure you, my reader(s) that I do not now, nor will I ever have purposely offensive content, (language, photos, subject matter, etc.) on/in any of my blog entries. The choice of "offensive" was added as an afterthought of sorts to certain familial unfortold and unexpected, I might add, reaction(s) to one of my entries. However, also let it be known that the reaction options, whining, TMI, and others were added at that time as well.
Now, too, I would urge anyone on my email mailing list not only to continue to read the blog entries via email, but to visit the site often, as well. I update the site frequently and am changing the look, adding useful gadgets and interesting facts I believe you ought to see for yourself. Photographs, as I understand it, are not included in the email version of my entry.
As I am a photography enthusiast, oftentimes photographs are added without dialogue, or with little dialogue. So, visit the actual site, look around, and you may well stumble onto information, tools, common "helps" unable to be sent via email. Feel free to search from my site and to visit any of the helpful sites I host. I believe you will find what you are looking for (and many you hadn't thought of, but find useful) right from my blog site.
Your comments (and reactions) are welcome, and I find they are most useful in my quest to learn what piques the interests of my readers. And too, do not hesitate to leave questions, comments, and/or suggestions concerning future topics. Although my topics are random and come as I experience them, your input would certainly be useful to me in my effort to write on a myriad and wide range of subjects.
Having said all of that, please feel comfortable with making a choice to click on the tool bar gaining entry to my exclusive gated community I call
A Little Off...........
This aforementioned consent offers a warning to the intended guest of my blog site stating that the site may contain content suitable only for adults. Should the guest click on the bar tool which states something like, "Yes, I understand and wish to continue to enter," or something close to that.
Since I was not notified by Google (who is the host of my blog site) concerning any such notice or disclaimer, I was left to my own (limited) devices to ferret out any possible reason for the change in visiting my Internet "home."
After a short time, I came to a conclusion. At the end of each of my posts, I have a formatted "Reaction" gallery. And, indeed, I had changed the wording at the time of the Google addition of the gated community entry way. The word "offensive" had been added, by me, as one of the several possible reactions one might choose in response to my entry.
Indeed, I believe this flagged my site and a precautionary warning was automatically generated by Google. Which, by the way, I believe to be a responsible action on the part of Google. The warning sign does state that Google has X amount of bloggers and cannot screen each blog site, each entry on a regular basis--which, of course is understandable.
And so, I take this opportunity to assure you, my reader(s) that I do not now, nor will I ever have purposely offensive content, (language, photos, subject matter, etc.) on/in any of my blog entries. The choice of "offensive" was added as an afterthought of sorts to certain familial unfortold and unexpected, I might add, reaction(s) to one of my entries. However, also let it be known that the reaction options, whining, TMI, and others were added at that time as well.
Now, too, I would urge anyone on my email mailing list not only to continue to read the blog entries via email, but to visit the site often, as well. I update the site frequently and am changing the look, adding useful gadgets and interesting facts I believe you ought to see for yourself. Photographs, as I understand it, are not included in the email version of my entry.
As I am a photography enthusiast, oftentimes photographs are added without dialogue, or with little dialogue. So, visit the actual site, look around, and you may well stumble onto information, tools, common "helps" unable to be sent via email. Feel free to search from my site and to visit any of the helpful sites I host. I believe you will find what you are looking for (and many you hadn't thought of, but find useful) right from my blog site.
Your comments (and reactions) are welcome, and I find they are most useful in my quest to learn what piques the interests of my readers. And too, do not hesitate to leave questions, comments, and/or suggestions concerning future topics. Although my topics are random and come as I experience them, your input would certainly be useful to me in my effort to write on a myriad and wide range of subjects.
Having said all of that, please feel comfortable with making a choice to click on the tool bar gaining entry to my exclusive gated community I call
A Little Off...........
Friday, January 16, 2009
Chrystalized Lake View
This is the beautiful Deer Run Lake: always beautiful, striking loveliness today.
Keepin' up with the Joan'zes...
I'm not gonna let any 'o the "Joan'zes" out-do me!! I may not be a "high dollar" dog, but I'm priceless to my Mommy and Daddy!
TeeHee!!
TeeHee!!
Sleepless in Insomnia
That title won't make a whole heck of a lot of sense to you unless you have seen the movie, "Sleepless in Seattle." One tries to ultimately come up with some witty, eye-catching blog title, however, as this particular title might suggest, lack of sleep is not always conducive to quick-witted titling.
It is inevitable that sleepless nights will visit every home on occasion. Some house calls are more frequent to a select few addresses. Mine, incidentally, is one of those addresses. Oddly enough, my sleepless address is migratory. Insomnia haunts me all too often, no matter where I lay my head at night.
How one spends his or her waking hours during these sometimes difficult times varies as much as how the same person may spend his or her leisure time. What is appealing for one, may certainly be as equally unappealing to another.
For instance, it is not my chosen preference to spend my leisure time exercising as it is for my sister, Bobbi. (Do not misunderstand....it SHOULD be, it just isn't.) Her choice for pastime activities have served her (and a great many she has inspired to emulate her) very well.
And, like Bobbi, there are multitudes of fit folks who, when they find themselves visited by the Insomnia Fairy, frequent either their home gym or a local 24-hour fitness center. That, by the way, is why they look the way they do, and I look the way I do!
I, on the other hand, am a charter member of the Eating Insomniacs, Not-so-Anonymous. Obesity is not a condition, shall we say, that cannot remain anonymous. I wish. There is an enormous (pardon the pun) population who "treat" insomnia with pleasing the palate.
While there are a numbered few foods and beverages which contain tryptophan, a sleep-producing natural chemical, Hostess cupcakes and Ding Dongs with a side order of Little Debbie snack cakes are not among them, sadly, I might add.....
How one spends the undesired sleepless hours of his/her life may also be heavily influenced by family dynamics or structure. In other words, if the insomniac lives alone, the activity choices differ greatly from another who lives with a spouse and/or children.
A "singleton" is free to stomp about the house without the fear of waking someone who had been blessed with the wand of the Sand Man. Unlike someone living alone, the insomniac cohabiting with others may be less likely to feel free to spend the waking hours in a more "active" way. Again, I need not remind you that it is MUCH more quiet to sink one's teeth into a grilled cheese sandwich and slurp a side of cream of tomato soup than it is to run on a treadmill at 2 AM. And...I always try to be considerate of others........ Mmm Mmm good.........
Yes, there are other quiet activities in which one could participate, such as reading. However, more often than not, if there is a light turned on for reading, usually, it is the stove top light to make sure I am not being ripped off of fat grams--information gleaned from reading the label of the Pop Tart box. That IS reading, you know...
Sometimes, I think. You know, to perhaps concentrate on topic of interest, or rather disinterest, so boring it may produce a coma-like state. But, all too often, unpleasant subjects flood my mind exacerbating the initial problem of insomnia.
While it is an orthodox manner in which to tackle occasional sleeplessness, for the ADD afflicted subject, like myself, these sessions progresses much like this:
Ahhhh....my eyes are closed. I'm taking deep, relaxing breaths. (did my heart just skip a beat?)
Uh, oh yeah...
Deep, relaxing breaths.....
I picture myself on the white sandy beaches of Florida. (I went to Florida once. Terrible experience part of the time...)
Uh, oh yeah....
Deep breaths.....
White sandy beaches....the sound of distant ocean waves
audible......
(what are those shells that you can hear the ocean in? Yeah! Concha!) sigh.......
Yeah, yeah, sandy beaches, waves....(how'm I affording this vacation, anyway???)
So, you see how that process might not be particularly helpful in an effort to drift off to sleep.
And so...I lift my cup of warm milk in a toast to those of you blessed with the gift of REM... cheers to you all, and to all, a good night.....
A Little (more than) Off...............
It is inevitable that sleepless nights will visit every home on occasion. Some house calls are more frequent to a select few addresses. Mine, incidentally, is one of those addresses. Oddly enough, my sleepless address is migratory. Insomnia haunts me all too often, no matter where I lay my head at night.
How one spends his or her waking hours during these sometimes difficult times varies as much as how the same person may spend his or her leisure time. What is appealing for one, may certainly be as equally unappealing to another.
For instance, it is not my chosen preference to spend my leisure time exercising as it is for my sister, Bobbi. (Do not misunderstand....it SHOULD be, it just isn't.) Her choice for pastime activities have served her (and a great many she has inspired to emulate her) very well.
And, like Bobbi, there are multitudes of fit folks who, when they find themselves visited by the Insomnia Fairy, frequent either their home gym or a local 24-hour fitness center. That, by the way, is why they look the way they do, and I look the way I do!
I, on the other hand, am a charter member of the Eating Insomniacs, Not-so-Anonymous. Obesity is not a condition, shall we say, that cannot remain anonymous. I wish. There is an enormous (pardon the pun) population who "treat" insomnia with pleasing the palate.
While there are a numbered few foods and beverages which contain tryptophan, a sleep-producing natural chemical, Hostess cupcakes and Ding Dongs with a side order of Little Debbie snack cakes are not among them, sadly, I might add.....
How one spends the undesired sleepless hours of his/her life may also be heavily influenced by family dynamics or structure. In other words, if the insomniac lives alone, the activity choices differ greatly from another who lives with a spouse and/or children.
A "singleton" is free to stomp about the house without the fear of waking someone who had been blessed with the wand of the Sand Man. Unlike someone living alone, the insomniac cohabiting with others may be less likely to feel free to spend the waking hours in a more "active" way. Again, I need not remind you that it is MUCH more quiet to sink one's teeth into a grilled cheese sandwich and slurp a side of cream of tomato soup than it is to run on a treadmill at 2 AM. And...I always try to be considerate of others........ Mmm Mmm good.........
Yes, there are other quiet activities in which one could participate, such as reading. However, more often than not, if there is a light turned on for reading, usually, it is the stove top light to make sure I am not being ripped off of fat grams--information gleaned from reading the label of the Pop Tart box. That IS reading, you know...
Sometimes, I think. You know, to perhaps concentrate on topic of interest, or rather disinterest, so boring it may produce a coma-like state. But, all too often, unpleasant subjects flood my mind exacerbating the initial problem of insomnia.
While it is an orthodox manner in which to tackle occasional sleeplessness, for the ADD afflicted subject, like myself, these sessions progresses much like this:
Ahhhh....my eyes are closed. I'm taking deep, relaxing breaths. (did my heart just skip a beat?)
Uh, oh yeah...
Deep, relaxing breaths.....
I picture myself on the white sandy beaches of Florida. (I went to Florida once. Terrible experience part of the time...)
Uh, oh yeah....
Deep breaths.....
White sandy beaches....the sound of distant ocean waves
audible......
(what are those shells that you can hear the ocean in? Yeah! Concha!) sigh.......
Yeah, yeah, sandy beaches, waves....(how'm I affording this vacation, anyway???)
So, you see how that process might not be particularly helpful in an effort to drift off to sleep.
And so...I lift my cup of warm milk in a toast to those of you blessed with the gift of REM... cheers to you all, and to all, a good night.....
A Little (more than) Off...............
Thursday, January 15, 2009
By His hand....
Just a little something I saw (and marvelled at!) on the way to Leslie yesterday. Hey, He's pretty good at this, isn't He???
A Little Off......
A Little Off......
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Hope, Inspiration, and Resolve
| There are several songs which touch the very core of my being. Oftentimes, the words are moving while it is the music in others that stirs something within me. Not nearly as frequently, however, a song is composed of both elements, and the root of the inspiration to boot, that when heard, brings me to tears. "It Is Well With My Soul," is one such song. Perhaps to you, the story is not a new one. And it is likely this song does not quicken your emotions as it does mine. I have not experienced the tragedy in my life that the man who effortlessly penned this hymn had thrust upon him for whatever reason. Thank God I have not! While I have had personal trials--and triumphs--I dare say, the resolve this lyricist had to have had as evidenced in "his" hymn, is one I have yet to achieve. I have no doubt that at the time he was inspired to form these stanzas, (I believe all true hope and inspiration comes from the one true God, [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit]) Mr. Spafford was seeking comfort and refuge from a Father with whom he had a personal relationship. And from his plea(s) "It Is Well With My Soul" was born. (Should you be unable to access the links, photos, etc. from this blog entry, simply Copy, and Paste the address below onto your address bar or more a more in depth view.) http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/americancolony/amcolony-family.html | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 HOME Exhibition Overview Checklist of Objects Exhibition Sections: Family Tragedy | On to Jerusalem | In the Holy Land | The American Colony at WorkThe Locust Plague | World War I | Wartime Aid | Continuing Relief Work | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FAMILY TRAGEDY
Monday, January 12, 2009
Microwave vs Old School
There are a few select smells/fragrances/odors which instantly produce memory provoking chemicals in the brain. These, of course, vary from person to person. However, to date, I have yet to meet the person who is not "taken" with the mouth-watering aroma of freshly popped theater popcorn. Now there's some memory bank withdrawal for you....
While in WalMart today I opted not for the usual Act II butter lover's microwave popcorn, rather the "old fashioned" popcorn one can actually see popping through a glass lid atop a large pot sitting on a red-hot burner on the stove.
Not to say that I didn't consider going WAY back and buying the Jiffy Pop popcorn, because I did--but only for a moment. Honestly, I wanted to see if I could still do it the way we used to before microwaves were a way of life.
Hands down, the stove top method is the clear winner. Ahhh....the smell, and the sound. You don't tantalize those senses with the instant gratification method. Indeed, those were kinder, gentler days and times. Many memories surfaced as the steam impregnated with a mixture of oil and simmering kernels reached my nostrils. I dare say a smile formed effortlessly while shaking the pot across the burner to prevent the corn from scorching or burning.
And as Tom and I enjoyed dipping our hands into the enormous bowl of salted and buttered homemade popcorn, we allowed our hands to linger there just a moment when they touched...just like the old days.........our smiles warmer than the popcorn.
A Little Off.......
While in WalMart today I opted not for the usual Act II butter lover's microwave popcorn, rather the "old fashioned" popcorn one can actually see popping through a glass lid atop a large pot sitting on a red-hot burner on the stove.
Not to say that I didn't consider going WAY back and buying the Jiffy Pop popcorn, because I did--but only for a moment. Honestly, I wanted to see if I could still do it the way we used to before microwaves were a way of life.
Hands down, the stove top method is the clear winner. Ahhh....the smell, and the sound. You don't tantalize those senses with the instant gratification method. Indeed, those were kinder, gentler days and times. Many memories surfaced as the steam impregnated with a mixture of oil and simmering kernels reached my nostrils. I dare say a smile formed effortlessly while shaking the pot across the burner to prevent the corn from scorching or burning.
And as Tom and I enjoyed dipping our hands into the enormous bowl of salted and buttered homemade popcorn, we allowed our hands to linger there just a moment when they touched...just like the old days.........our smiles warmer than the popcorn.
A Little Off.......
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Passion at a standstill
What to do, what to do. I am stuck between a rock and a hard spot, as they say. I have been accepted into Bee Jays Hairstyling Academy and have been awarded a full grant. While that is wonderful news, the grant does not completely cover the cost of the cosmetology course there.
I now understand that when one qualifies for a government grant, a predetermined amount--across the board--is granted, regardless of the course the grant will be used for. In other words, the grant is the same irrespective of how or where it will be applied.
As the fee varies from school to school, county to county, course to course, the grant may cover only a portion of the total cost, or possibly the entire cost will be covered by the grant. In my case, the cosmetology course cost is a little over $10, 000.00 and is government funded. I looked into two other cosmetology courses besides the one in Batesville, one in Highland, and one in Leslie.
Both courses are slightly less expensive, however, neither are government funded. Therefore, my grant would be rendered useless at either institution. Highland would be only slightly closer to home and I was offered a place to stay there, free of charge. The school in Leslie operates somewhat differently as they are not open year-round, rather operate much like public schools with a 9 month school year, out for the summer months, and reassemble in the fall.
Not that it matters now, but I would much rather go year 'round and get the course over with as soon as possible in order to begin to see revenue or profit quickly.
I did call Bee Jay's yesterday to inquire as to whether the school allowed one to work out a payment plan for the needed down payment. Indeed, I learned, one can make a payment prior to the first day of school, but the rest (remainder) of the monies the first day of school. Too bad I'm not independently wealthy like the rest of you who are reading this blog.
An interesting question was posed concerning this quandary. "If," I was asked, "you qualify for a grant related to your income falling within the poverty/low income level, how, then, are you expected to come up with $1, 800.00?" That, is a very good, and very interesting question. One, to which, I'm afraid, I do not have the answer.
It's only a guess, but I'm guessing Christmas can be marked off of the list of ways I'll fall into the money. My birthday is coming up, however, I had hoped to be in school by that time. I haven't bought any lottery tickets, so that's out. I own nothing of value, so having a sale is marked off of the list. I can't get a job because my grant was based on my income and that would jeopardize my grant. I don't own a credit card, so nix that one. To my knowledge, I have no rich relative on his/her last leg just worried sick about to whom their last dollar will be left.
Guess there's always that TV show, The Secret Millionaire, but then, I haven't noticed anyone new/strange lurking about filming our every move. If there is a philanthropist reading this, and this whining pulls at your heart strings, by all means, feel free to direct your attention, and your check book, toward me. I'll make you proud.
I am a woman of faith, so I know that everything will work out just the way it is supposed to. More times than not, I want to manipulate my circumstances and force them to be the way I want them to be. It just so happens that I do not especially like the waiting part. His ways are most definitely not my ways. I have no doubts about that one. The waiting, I suppose, is meant to teach me something and if I had my way and waited not, the lesson would most likely be missed.
God not often "shares" or reveals His reasoning for the process with me. Self denial and delayed gratification are not my forte'. Usually, if I can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, I'm good to go. Conversely, being patient and simply taking come what may irritates me to no end. I'm all about being in on a master plan working toward a specific end, but I'm not too much of a team player when I'm clueless as to what the game plan is and I'm left to just trust all will be well without any input from me whatsoever.
Is that control? Is it called control when it relates to one's own life, or is it just desiring to take an active part in the course or direction one's life takes? I realize I'm rambling. I find it sometimes helps sort out the details and put into perspective the loose ends which don't seem to fit anywhere in particular.
In any case, I'm finished babbling for now. My money making possibilities are most likely endless, all of which somehow escape me at this time.......
Your input is welcome.......your monetary contributions will not be turned away......checks, cash, stocks, bonds, precious stones, gold, art, unique collectibles, rare coins, property, items for auction @ Sotheby's, and anything else you may wish to contribute will be appreciated. And, thank you in advance for your thoughtfulness.
(More than) A Little Off.......
I now understand that when one qualifies for a government grant, a predetermined amount--across the board--is granted, regardless of the course the grant will be used for. In other words, the grant is the same irrespective of how or where it will be applied.
As the fee varies from school to school, county to county, course to course, the grant may cover only a portion of the total cost, or possibly the entire cost will be covered by the grant. In my case, the cosmetology course cost is a little over $10, 000.00 and is government funded. I looked into two other cosmetology courses besides the one in Batesville, one in Highland, and one in Leslie.
Both courses are slightly less expensive, however, neither are government funded. Therefore, my grant would be rendered useless at either institution. Highland would be only slightly closer to home and I was offered a place to stay there, free of charge. The school in Leslie operates somewhat differently as they are not open year-round, rather operate much like public schools with a 9 month school year, out for the summer months, and reassemble in the fall.
Not that it matters now, but I would much rather go year 'round and get the course over with as soon as possible in order to begin to see revenue or profit quickly.
I did call Bee Jay's yesterday to inquire as to whether the school allowed one to work out a payment plan for the needed down payment. Indeed, I learned, one can make a payment prior to the first day of school, but the rest (remainder) of the monies the first day of school. Too bad I'm not independently wealthy like the rest of you who are reading this blog.
An interesting question was posed concerning this quandary. "If," I was asked, "you qualify for a grant related to your income falling within the poverty/low income level, how, then, are you expected to come up with $1, 800.00?" That, is a very good, and very interesting question. One, to which, I'm afraid, I do not have the answer.
It's only a guess, but I'm guessing Christmas can be marked off of the list of ways I'll fall into the money. My birthday is coming up, however, I had hoped to be in school by that time. I haven't bought any lottery tickets, so that's out. I own nothing of value, so having a sale is marked off of the list. I can't get a job because my grant was based on my income and that would jeopardize my grant. I don't own a credit card, so nix that one. To my knowledge, I have no rich relative on his/her last leg just worried sick about to whom their last dollar will be left.
Guess there's always that TV show, The Secret Millionaire, but then, I haven't noticed anyone new/strange lurking about filming our every move. If there is a philanthropist reading this, and this whining pulls at your heart strings, by all means, feel free to direct your attention, and your check book, toward me. I'll make you proud.
I am a woman of faith, so I know that everything will work out just the way it is supposed to. More times than not, I want to manipulate my circumstances and force them to be the way I want them to be. It just so happens that I do not especially like the waiting part. His ways are most definitely not my ways. I have no doubts about that one. The waiting, I suppose, is meant to teach me something and if I had my way and waited not, the lesson would most likely be missed.
God not often "shares" or reveals His reasoning for the process with me. Self denial and delayed gratification are not my forte'. Usually, if I can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, I'm good to go. Conversely, being patient and simply taking come what may irritates me to no end. I'm all about being in on a master plan working toward a specific end, but I'm not too much of a team player when I'm clueless as to what the game plan is and I'm left to just trust all will be well without any input from me whatsoever.
Is that control? Is it called control when it relates to one's own life, or is it just desiring to take an active part in the course or direction one's life takes? I realize I'm rambling. I find it sometimes helps sort out the details and put into perspective the loose ends which don't seem to fit anywhere in particular.
In any case, I'm finished babbling for now. My money making possibilities are most likely endless, all of which somehow escape me at this time.......
Your input is welcome.......your monetary contributions will not be turned away......checks, cash, stocks, bonds, precious stones, gold, art, unique collectibles, rare coins, property, items for auction @ Sotheby's, and anything else you may wish to contribute will be appreciated. And, thank you in advance for your thoughtfulness.
(More than) A Little Off.......
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A Day Chocked Full of Excitement
Whew! I'm exhausted just trying to remember what all has transpired over the last 24 hours! Pat and I took Mom to N. Little Rock for surg. this A.M. We had to be there by 0530, so that meant we left by 0330. Which, in turn, meant pretty much sleeping with one eye open in hopes we wouldn't oversleep. We perfected that part of it!
After scurrying about and loading everything and everyone in the SUV, I lifted up a quick prayer asking God to grant us travel mercies, which He did. The roads had already been treated before us with sand. Isn't He awesome?!
Got to the surg clinic in plenty of time, with time to spare. Mom got right in and the doctor was finished by 0800. She did well, vital signs great. Isn't He fab??? All the time!
Made it home without a hitch and if my video downloaded/uploaded OK, you'll get to be part of the welcoming committee!
I'm dead, so for now, I'm
A Little Off...........................
After scurrying about and loading everything and everyone in the SUV, I lifted up a quick prayer asking God to grant us travel mercies, which He did. The roads had already been treated before us with sand. Isn't He awesome?!
Got to the surg clinic in plenty of time, with time to spare. Mom got right in and the doctor was finished by 0800. She did well, vital signs great. Isn't He fab??? All the time!
Made it home without a hitch and if my video downloaded/uploaded OK, you'll get to be part of the welcoming committee!
I'm dead, so for now, I'm
A Little Off...........................
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Simply a test....
OK, cool! I had to do a bit of research to be able to add jifs *animated pix* to the blog, but it looks as though I've got it, by Joe! Maaaahvelous!A Little Off.......
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Flash from the Past
While cleaning the back room yesterday, I ran on to a poem I wrote two years ago. To be sure, I am thankful these are kinder days.
Snowy Run
Through the darkness, in the middle of the night
I heard voices and knew all was not right.
Just then Mom said, "Teresa, your Daddy wants you upstairs.
He's having a hart time breathing," Immediately I lifted the first of my prayers.
I didn't see a patient, I saw my best friend
With angst in his eyes, awaiting this episode's end.
Even Maggie, the dog, sensed her buddy was not well.
It was one a.m., he wasn't eating, he was distressed, she could tell.
I ran facts through my brain, made deductions and then
Began making decisions, asking questions, assessing the color of his skin.
Was he stressed to the point he could take little more?
How can I help this man I adore?
I called 911, "Please respond quickly to 601 Walnut Street."
As I was feeding information, I saw snow--I heard sleet.
It seemed a lifetime, but finally the ambulance was here.
Never was it a question, I'd go, I had to be near.
Snowing atop an ice covered route
Oh why the COPD? Why couldn't it be his gout?
Following slowly in tracks left by a big truck,
The driver stopped to remove ice from the wipers, and then we were stuck.
She maneuvered the vehicle back and forth for a while,
The truck forged ahead...we lost over a mile.
Suddenly we gained traction, we were again on our way
slipping and sliding, when I heard him say,
"Sure is taking a long time, are we nearly there?"
Don't tell him, "no," I thought. Tell him a lie, I don't care!
Have him believe well be there very soon.
That's right, thank you, for humming a cheerful tune.
The smile you gave him calmed my fears some, too.
Emergency Services are blessed with this crew.
You patted his shoulder and said, "You're gonna be just fine."
"No one's finer," I thought, "Than this daddy of mine."
Time found us behind a road grater, somehow.
Clearing a path of the snow, and now
I began to see progress, toward the hospital we went.
A grateful prayer from my heart to His ear sent.
And in the back, Daddy's expression almost reflected content,
In his eye was relief, and hope, just a glint.
When announced was, "OK, Bud, we're here."
I would not breathe easy 'till I saw a doctor appear.
After a short stay in the hospital, home right 'round the bend,
My hero soon home, my story must end.
It will not be forgotten as now it is penned,
The snowy trip to the hospital with Daddy, my best friend.
A Little Off.........
Snowy Run
Through the darkness, in the middle of the night
I heard voices and knew all was not right.
Just then Mom said, "Teresa, your Daddy wants you upstairs.
He's having a hart time breathing," Immediately I lifted the first of my prayers.
I didn't see a patient, I saw my best friend
With angst in his eyes, awaiting this episode's end.
Even Maggie, the dog, sensed her buddy was not well.
It was one a.m., he wasn't eating, he was distressed, she could tell.
I ran facts through my brain, made deductions and then
Began making decisions, asking questions, assessing the color of his skin.
Was he stressed to the point he could take little more?
How can I help this man I adore?
I called 911, "Please respond quickly to 601 Walnut Street."
As I was feeding information, I saw snow--I heard sleet.
It seemed a lifetime, but finally the ambulance was here.
Never was it a question, I'd go, I had to be near.
Snowing atop an ice covered route
Oh why the COPD? Why couldn't it be his gout?
Following slowly in tracks left by a big truck,
The driver stopped to remove ice from the wipers, and then we were stuck.
She maneuvered the vehicle back and forth for a while,
The truck forged ahead...we lost over a mile.
Suddenly we gained traction, we were again on our way
slipping and sliding, when I heard him say,
"Sure is taking a long time, are we nearly there?"
Don't tell him, "no," I thought. Tell him a lie, I don't care!
Have him believe well be there very soon.
That's right, thank you, for humming a cheerful tune.
The smile you gave him calmed my fears some, too.
Emergency Services are blessed with this crew.
You patted his shoulder and said, "You're gonna be just fine."
"No one's finer," I thought, "Than this daddy of mine."
Time found us behind a road grater, somehow.
Clearing a path of the snow, and now
I began to see progress, toward the hospital we went.
A grateful prayer from my heart to His ear sent.
And in the back, Daddy's expression almost reflected content,
In his eye was relief, and hope, just a glint.
When announced was, "OK, Bud, we're here."
I would not breathe easy 'till I saw a doctor appear.
After a short stay in the hospital, home right 'round the bend,
My hero soon home, my story must end.
It will not be forgotten as now it is penned,
The snowy trip to the hospital with Daddy, my best friend.
A Little Off.........
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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